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Historical Linguistics Research Paper

Monika Petrosyan

English and Communications, American University of Armenia

EC 103 (Section A): Introduction to Language and Culture

Professor Syuzanna Torosyan

March 10, 2024

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A writing system is a method of visually representing spoken language through a set of

symbols or characters. It is a communication system that allows humans to record and transmit

information, ideas, and thoughts over time and space. It is not just a system of letters but also a

symbol of identity, heritage, and human creativity. One such language that stands out in its

writing system is Japanese, a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern adaptations that

reflect the rich culture of Japan. Unlike alphabetic systems, which typically use a single script,

Japanese integrates multiple scripts in an interesting and harmonious style. This paper explores

the Japanese writing system that employs three distinct scripts and presents various challenges

and peculiarities contributing to its cultural significance and adaptability in contemporary

society.

The origin of writing in Japan goes back to the 5th century when

Kanji, Chinese logographic characters, were imported from China.

Each character represents a word or concept and can be adapted to

Japanese pronunciation. (Jilson, 2013) For instance, the Kanji for

"tree" (木) is pronounced as "ki" in Japanese. Kanji represents words or

morphemes, each with one or multiple pronunciations, depending on

the context. One example is the kanji 水 (pronounced as "mizu"), which

means "water." This Kanji can be pronounced differently based on the

context:

1. 水 (mizu) - water

2. 水曜日 (suiyoubi) - Wednesday (literally "water day")

3. 水色 (mizuiro) - light blue (literally "water color")

4. 水準 (suijun) - standard or level

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Before delving into the Japanese writing system, it's important also to recognize the

aesthetic aspect of Kanji. The strokes and combinations of characters create a visual beauty that

goes beyond mere function. Each Kanji reflects a long development history, with each stroke

carrying significance. Learning Kanji is like mastering a form of artistic expression similar to

calligraphy. Well-written Kanji or creatively arranged characters in literature enhance the overall

beauty of written language in ways that phonetic systems may lack. Kanji is the third writing

system used for its rich symbolism and to represent words' meanings directly. This was the

foundation upon which the entire system was built, eventually giving rise to two phonetic scripts

– Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and Katakana are phonetic scripts known as Kana

developed in the 9th century. (Jilson, 2013) While Hiragana represents

syllables and is largely used for original Japanese words, Katakana is

reserved for foreign loanwords, and both provide grammatical

context that is not possible with Kanji alone. An example of Hiragana

is the word おかあさん (o-ka-a-sa-n, "mother"), where by the addition of a second vowel

word spells long vowels. This is an example of words presented as syllables. Hiragana is

primarily used for grammatical purposes, such as particles, and for writing words with difficult

or rare Kanji, idiomatic expressions, and onomatopoeias. An example of using as a particle

would be は (ha/wa), が (ga), を (wo), に (ni), へ (he/e), で (de), and many

others. For example, in the sentence, it would be used like the

following:

● 私は学生です (Watashi wa gakusei desu) - "I am a student."

● 本を読みます (Hon o yomimasu) - "I read a book."

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It is also commonly used for beginners and children who are not yet familiar with Kanji.

(Duncan, 2021)

Katakana, on the other hand, represents the same sounds as Hiragana but is mainly used

for writing newer words imported from Western countries, as these words do not have associated

Kanji characters. The design of Katakana characters is generally more angular and simple

compared to Hiragana. Here's an example of a word written in Katakana:

● スマートフォン (sumaato fon) - smartphone

In this example, "sumaato fon" is a loanword from English, so it is written in Katakana

because there are no associated Kanji characters for it.

The coexistence of Hiragana and Katakana with Kanji leads to a unique script blending

that offers considerable flexibility to the Japanese writing system. This is a notable aspect of the

Japanese writing system: its mixed script usage, where Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana are

combined within the same text. This flexibility allows for nuanced expression and adaptation to

various contexts. Additionally, small Kana characters, called furigana, are found above or beside

Kanji, assisting readers with pronunciation, particularly in children's books and language

learning materials. Another uniqueness of the Japanese text is that it traditionally follows a

vertical writing format, with characters arranged from top to bottom and right to left, influencing

calligraphy and design aesthetics. This traditional method of writing is not only distinctive but

also an indication of the historical and aesthetic importance of the written word in Japanese

culture.

It is worth mentioning that though the Japanese have a beautiful and unique writing

system, mastering it presents several challenges for non-native speakers, including learning

thousands of Kanji characters and distinguishing between Hiragana and Katakana. However,
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modern adaptations, such as Romaji (Roman alphabet) input methods, have simplified Japanese

text entry on digital platforms. The creation of simplified versions aims to enhance accessibility

and usability. Here are some examples of words in three types of Japanese writing systems

including Romaji: (Learn All About Romaji, n.d.)

● sushi (Romaji) – すし (Hiragana) and 寿司 (Kanji)

● manga (Romaji) – まんが (Hiragana) and 漫画 (Kanji)

● miso (Romaji) – みそ (Hiragana) and 味噌 (Kanji)

In conclusion, the Japanese writing system is a unique and interesting example of how a

writing system can embody a nation's identity, heritage, and creativity while also adapting to the

demands of contemporary communication. Its complexity is a challenge and a celebration of

human creativity and cultural richness.

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References

Duncan, E. (2021, October 21). Learn Hiragana: An Easy Beginner's Guide. Busuu.

Retrieved March 13, 2024, from https://www.busuu.com/en/japanese/alphabet/hiragana

Jilson, B. (2013). A Brief Exploration of the Development of the Japanese Writing

System (Vol. 8). University at Albany, State University of New York.

https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/honorscollege_anthro/8

Learn All About Romaji (And Why You Don’t Need It). (n.d.). Busuu. Retrieved March 13,

2024, from https://www.busuu.com/en/japanese/romaji